Chapter 40
Hello sorry to keep you all waiting for so long. I was busy with another project that ended up being a big nothing burger, but it got me in the mood to write and now we have the LONGEST chapter I've ever written. Hope you all enjoy.
To be honest I'm still not sure why Ruby let Yang pick the location for our hang out. Well maybe it has something to do with the fact I didn't want to pick and Ruby well Ruby didn't seem to have any ideas. Am I saying she didn't… no, but she also never suggested anything.
To be fair I don't really mind going to a nightclub since I've been there before. It's more so Ruby I'm worried about. She's never seemed to be the most social person. So a loud, crowded place, full of people wouldn't be my first pick for her.
I'm just getting ready for the night out and knowing the club is a bit more high profile, dressed for the occasion. Wearing a similar outfit to the one I wore when I went with Neo to this place. Just a bit more casual, removing the tie I had last time.
After getting dressed I walked over to Ruby's room knocking on her door. She was quick to open it and I was surprised to see her in such casual clothes.
"What?" She asked, seeing my obvious confusion.
"Nothing, just weird seeing you not wearing your cloak" That and the fact she's in jeans and a simple red t-shirt.
"Well with how crowded things are going to be, I thought it would be a bad idea to wear it" I nodded in understanding. Ruby looked at me and blushed. "I feel a little underdressed now" She said with a laugh.
"Nah, you're fine" In all honesty I'm probably overdressed. I may not know Yang very well but I'm gonna guess a tank top and shorts, maybe a jacket, that she'll ditch at her seat.
Ruby rubbed her arm. "You nervous?"
She gave me a weak smile. "A little"
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "If you ever feel uncomfortable let me know and we'll get out of there" I gave her a reassuring smile. "And I promise I won't drag you onto the dance floor unless you ask" Honestly I don't want to go on the dance floor but I'd do it for Ruby.
Ruby laughed. "Thanks Jaune, but I doubt I'd do that to you"
I gave her a moment "So you ready to go?"
Ruby took a deep breath. "Yup" Ruby said as she grabbed my hand. I hope to the gods, things go well tonight.
xXx
Meeting Yang outside the club and I called her outfit. Tank top, shorts with a jacket.
She spotted us and nearly broke out into a laugh. "Woah lover boy, who are you trying to impress?" She asked, nudging my shoulder.
"Hey last time I was here, I wasn't out of place" I said which shocked both Yang and Ruby.
"You've been here before?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah I came here with…" Wait a second, am I supposed to mention I went here with Neo on what could be called a date? "With a friend" Yeah that's what Neo is afterall.
"Was it Mercury?"
"No it wasn't the Silver Haired Perv" That got an eyebrow raised from Yang. "He's a colleague from work"
"Why is he called that?" Yang asked and I could tell she was going into protective big sister mode.
"He's a perv with silver hair, duh" Ruby explained. "Creeps me out" Oh no Ruby why did you mention that. Yang's eyes shot open, I better stop this now.
"Well no need to worry. I set him straight recently so he won't bother you" I quickly said stopping Yang before she went OPBS (over protective big sister) on Ruby. I've suffered from it too many times.
Speaking of Mercury after he got me to admit Ruby and I were dating (after hours of hounding) he said he'd back off. I'll at least give Mercury that.
"Thanks" Ruby shot me a smile.
"Still a surprise, didn't take you for clubbing type Jaune" Yang said in an obvious attempt to change the conversation.
"Well it was really just a one time thing"
Yang shot me a devilish smile. "Well, when you go clubbing with a Xiao-Long it's a night to remember"
"Does that include when you go out with your Dad?" Ruby seemed shocked by my words but Yang just laughed.
"That's a good one, alright let's get inside" She gestured for us to follow but there was a line, like last time. Which she ignored like they weren't even there. "Hello boys!" She called out to the bouncers and for a second, I was worried she'd find a different way in. To my surprise the two men shivered at the sight of her and let us in basically groveling at Yang's feet.
Huh, that's the second time a girl has taken me and got past the bouncers with no issue.
"What was that about?" Ruby asked, cringing at how loud everything was.
"Let's just say I've been here before" She said with a devilish smile. I can only imagine what she did. Yang is afterall a huntress and I doubt anyone could mess with her.
As soon as we entered proper the musical assault began which thankfully I was prepared for but caught Ruby by surprise. I gave her a comforting smile telling her "You get used to it" That did seem to confort Ruby a bit but she didn't look happy.
Before I had the chance to ask what the plan was Yang had already taken control. "You two find a place to sit, I'll get our drinks" She was about to take off but stopped herself "What do you guys want?" Yang asked. "I… know the guy who owns this place so I won't have to wait" So that's how she got us in. She 'knows' the owner, I wonder in what way.
Ruby looked to me for help. I never really considered it before but has Ruby ever drank? "I'll just have a pop" I answered.
"Me too"
Yang's jaw dropped. "You gotta be kidding me! Are you two serious?"
Ruby squirmed a bit "I just don't know what to have I've never really…" She trailed off.
Yang sighed "Ruby, I won't force you, just consider trying" With that she left to get out drinks.
I quickly spotted a free table leading Ruby to it. Thankfully it was further from the speakers so our ears would be spared a bit. "Why aren't you drinking?" Ruby asked.
"I thought the two of you would be drinking so, I felt I should stay sober"
"You can drink if you want to, I'll be the responsible sober one" She said with a giggle. Ruby and responsible are two words I don't think mix well. "Besides, I don't have the best tolerance". Makes sense with how small she is.
I saw Yang looking for us and I waved to get her attention.
"I just want to let you know that Yang can beeeee... brunt when she drinks" Ruby explained. You mean she isn't already? I haven't known Yang for long, but I can tell she didn't seem like one to beat around the bush oftenl.
"Here you are your two pops" Yang said, popping both the p's. I nodded my thanks and looked at Yang's drink. A strawberry sunrise. Pyrrha drank that too.
"So Jauney boy" Great, now I have two girls who call me that and neither of them are my girlfriend.
"Yes?" Ruby seemed annoyed but I know what's coming. I've done the same protective sibling act.
"How long have you known my adorable little sister?" Oh well that's a much easier question than I was expecting.
"Yang" Ruby whined with a hint of blush, which made me laugh. First time I brought Pyrrha over my whole family was acting like this. My mother was the worst… I wish she could have met Ruby.
"Just asking a question?" She said with a shrug and got my attention back on the here and now.
I took a moment to think "It's been around two months now" I answered, shocking Yang.
"Wow, I thought it would take five years before Ruby would get into a relationship"
Ruby groaned, making me laugh. "Well to be honest it's faster than I expected for myself" It felt so much longer too. Ruby is my first girlfriend, even with how close Pyrrha and I got we never put a label on it.
"How'd you two meet?" Yang asked, continuing the interview.
Oh jeeze that's another easy question and pretty boring. "Well I just came home from work to see I had a new neighbor, honestly I was gonna avoid her" Ruby seemed shocked and I don't blame her. "Thankfully for me her lock is a bit busted, so I had to help her open the door" I could see Ruby's face change to a smile which I was quick to return.
"Aww, such a gentleman!" Yang nudged my side and I could feel myself blushing.
"Then he helped me carry my stuff to my room, looking back on I should have brought Dad to help me move in" Yeah with how heavy her stuff was she'd never have done it alone.
I chuckled "I don't think your dad would like where we live very much"
"Oh come on, it's not that bad there" I raised my eyebrow "I mean you're there and…" Ruby took a moment to think before she couldn't think of anything and we both laughed.
Yang seemed very confused "Wait hold up. Have you met our father?".
I blinked, thinking that my comment of clubbing with her dad would have tipped her off but ok. "Yeah, I met him a while back".
"Why?"
How do I say I did it for moral support, without it coming across as weird? Thankfully Ruby answered for me. "Our only day off is Sunday. I was gonna be gone that day so I invited him to hang out" That's putting it lightly but maybe Ruby doesn't want to admit something to her sister.
"You invited him to come with you to patch just to hang out?" Yang looked absolutely bewildered. "And you're telling me you two became a couple after I showed up!" Yang began laughing like a maniac. "Don't tell me the floorboards were creaking that night" She said through her laughter.
"YANG!" Ruby whined again as the two began to bicker there was no ill will there. Yang clearly likes teasing her little sister and I can tell this is pretty normal for them.
As the two bickered I caught the eye of a couple guys looking at me with jealousy. Kinda annoying to see but nothing I can really do about it. Though I doubt those guys could handle a gall like Yang. Taking away her being a Huntress I think she'd drink anyone into a coma.
I turned my attention back to the 'fight' with Ruby beat red and stammering "J-J-Jaune!" I better come in for the save.
Placing a hand on Yang's shoulder "Alright, I think that's enough" Yang was quick to stop and gave a quick 'sorry' to Ruby as she finished her drink.
"You're lucky to have a knight in shining armour to protect you Rubes" Huh, I call Ruby that too.
Ruby didn't whine at that comment like I think Yang expected. Instead she just smiled at me. "Yeah I am".
Yang groaned standing up "I'm gonna get another drink before you two go full lovey dovey on me" She gave me a wink that Ruby didn't see and began to walk away before Ruby called out to her.
"I'd like a drink too!" Yang turned back shocked.
"What will you have?"
"Ummm…" Clearly she had no idea what to actually order. "Just get me something you'd think I'd like that is not too strong" Ruby explained.
"Got it something with Chocolate or Strawberries" Yang said with a laugh as she disappeared.
"You sure about drinking Ruby?" I asked, with what she said about herself I didn't expect she'd have a drink.
"No, but I'll have one and if I don't like it I won't have more" She gave me a weak smile. "Just make sure I don't do anything stupid if I have more"
I finished up my drink and gave her a shit eating grin "Don't worry I'll be the responsible one" Ruby rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless.
It wasn't too long after that Yang returned with the drinks, she's been getting them much faster than I would have thought possible. Privilege of 'being here before'.
"So Jaune" Yang started handing Ruby her drink as she sat down. "Where do you work?"
Finally, Yang asks an embarrassing question. It's not like I think it's a bad job, aside from my boss. It's just, I've been given some weird looks for being a guy working where I do.
"I work at a women's clothing store" Oh goodie Yang is giving me one of those looks right now.
"Really?"
Ruby, seeing how Yang was judging me, jumped in for the rescue. "He's really good at it too. He's helped me find stuff multiple times"
"Really?" Her tone didn't change.
Ruby winced and didn't seem to know what to say. So that's my que to pull out the tried and true way of getting out of this situation. "Well I had seven sisters-".
"Seven!" Like always people are either completely understanding or more shocked to hear that and anything they think weird about my job washes away.
Yang took a swig of her drink. "Seven?" I nodded in response. She looked to Ruby "Ruby, I wouldn't trade you for the world, but if there were six more of you I don't think I would have made it".
Ruby took no offense and laughed it off "I thought the same thing when he told me".
Alright crisis averted "So what was it like?" Yang asked.
Thinking back on it for a moment. "Well it probably isn't as bad as you think, my sisters and I are spread out with about fourteen years between the eight of us"
"Woah that must be weird"
"Yeah, with me being the second youngest. I didn't get to know my oldest sisters too well before they started moving out" I really wish I had more time with them. You know time that wasn't me as a baby.
"Are you still close?" Yang asked which I knew was coming. Ruby looked to me ready to offer up whatever support she could. I gave her a smile.
"I haven't spoken to them in a while, hard to keep in touch" I'd rather not drag this night down with sad news. Especially since this is about Yang and Ruby getting along better. Not my family problems.
"That's a shame, but I know all about being out of touch with your family" I'm not sure if Yang knows that I know how long she was gone, but it's nice to hear her say that.
"Thanks" I gave her a smile "I gotta go to the bathroom" Surprisingly that has nothing to do with that talk I just really need to pee.
Ruby looked concerned but I gave a thumbs up to calm her down. Yang caught it and seemed to understand the message.
I just hope nothing goes wrong while I'm gone.
xXx
"So" Oh no, is it my time to be interrogated? Looking at Yang unamused, I waited for her question. "He seems nice, I like him" … Wait what? That's all she has to say?
Yang took notice of my shock, clearly planning it with that devilish smile she wore. "What? Did you expect me to not like him?"
"No it's just… I expected more from you" I mean Yang always feared the day I'd start so than Dad when I left for college.
"Ruby if you expected me to go full big sister on Jaune, don't worry" There has to be a catch.
"So long asssssssssss" I kept going waiting for Yang to finish my sentence. Yang simply looked at me confused which made me stop.
"Ruby, I know you might have thought Jaune would have to earn my approval to date you or some nonsense like that" I tried my best to hide that I didn't think that in the slightest. "The truth is not only are you an adult now but after… I left. I have no place telling you what the right choices are" OK I wasn't expecting things to get so heavy.
Yang couldn't even look me in the eyes after she said that. Honestly I wasn't sure how to respond. Reaching out I grasped Yang's hand, it was the only thing I could think of.
"Even though I don't need your approval, I'm happy you like Jaune" I said, giving her a smile. Yang smiled back and wiped her eyes. I didn't see any tears but maybe she was close.
"Of course I'd like him, if anyone was gonna bring a shifty dangerous person home as their date it would be me" Yang said with a chuckle.
Hold on a second, I remember "Well there was that guy A-" Yang cut me off.
"Please, don't bring up Azure!" She said putting her face into her hands.
Heh, nice to see her embarrassed for once. "If Dad had a shotgun, he would have pulled it out" I've never seen Dad hold back so much rage before.
Yang groaned. "That was one of the few times Dad went full parent after… Mom passed" That killed the mood. "I'm really glad he did, or else I might have dropped out of Signal"
My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. "WHAT!?"
Yang seemed completely stunned by my reaction. "Yeah I was Sixteen and at the time I just wanted some freedom" Yang said then took a drink.
"Freedom from us?" I asked.
Yang finished her swig. "Freedom from everything. You, Dad but most of all responsibility and Huntress life"
I never knew any of this. Amazing how much even your sister can hide from you. "You wanted out of being a Huntress?" I just couldn't believe it because besides myself I never knew anyone else so determined to achieve that dream.
"For a bit" She shrugged. "Things were just piling up at the time, thankfully Dad stepped in and set me down the right path" She chuckled. "Of course back then he didn't want me to become a Huntress, he just wanted me to keep up my education" She finished and took another swig.
Dad never told me this either. Good to know he did some good for Yang during that time. Wish he did more but he at least got better, and he wasn't all bad back then. He did quite a bit for me though. Not too often but he always seemed to try more with me than Yang.
Yang finished her second drink while I haven't even gotten through half of my own. "Did Dad ever do anything like that during that time?" Yang asked.
I tried to think of one of the biggest things he did for me. "I broke Crescent Rose while I was training. Couldn't mecha shift it at all. I didn't have the parts, money and the next shipment wouldn't be in Patch for weeks. I told Dad about it and he seemed to not even hear me"
"He did that a lot" Yang said.
"I thought I was screwed. I had a very important combat assignment the next day. So when I woke up and Crescent Rose was missing. I began to panic" Words can not describe the feeling of anxiety I had whenever I lost my baby. "I eventually check the shed where I find Dad, who looks like he barely slept a minute, fixing Crescent Rose!"
"Where did he get the parts?"
"I don't know!" I exclaimed with a shrug. "I only told him like an hour before the Ferry to Vale closed" With how little time he had he couldn't have travelled to Vale and back before it closed.
"Maybe he went over to Vale to find the parts and stayed in Vale for the night. Then came back before we woke up and fixed Crescent Rose" Yang explained. He could have done that in fact that made the most sense.
"I thought it was magic" I whispered to myself, making Yang laugh. I never really thought about what Dad would have had to have done for me that day. I was just so relieved to have a working weapon… I never really thanked him for that. I never thanked him for a lot of things.
Some time passed as we spoke of Yang's time in Beacon. We both began to notice something.
"Where's Jaune?" I asked.
"Unless lover boy got a bad case of diarrhea, he should have been back by now"
"Should one of us look for him?"
Yang looked at me, then looked around us. "In a place like this we should go together" I could tell what Yang meant.
Oh Jaune, I hope you just have a bad case of diarrhea.
xXx
Christ the bathrooms are hard to find here. They're way in the back hidden away like you're going to a staff only room. Now, I just have to get back to the girls. Dodging and weaving through the crowd like I'm back in highschool. I knew years of sliding by people would come in handy one day.
All I have to do is get past the bar and then I'm in the home stretch. Won't have too many people in my way. It'll be a clear shot to… hold on. At the bar I see a familiar multi coloured head. Normally I wouldn't assume it's someone I know but with her, I doubt many would have a similar style.
It wouldn't be wrong to say hello, right? Plus I have been neglecting her and I know that's not a good idea from Roman.
Walking up to what I can now confirm is Neo. I leaned onto the table next to her, she turned to face me looking annoyed but her face changed the moment she saw it was me.
"Hey Neo"
She waved to say hello looking so relieved. Probably thought I was some creep trying to hit on her. Neo offered the seat next to her as she took a sip of the drink named after her.
"Sorry I can't stay, I'm with other people" I'm not sure what to call this, since it's not a date but it's not a typical hang out either.
Neo looked disappointed but understood. "Are you with anyone?" She shook her head. Shocking me.
"Not even Roman?" Again she shook her head. Should I invite her to join us? Would that be weird? Would that be wrong? I mean Ruby is my girlfriend so is it ok to just come back with some woman she's never met before. I mean, I don't think Ruby's the jealous type but would it be right?
Not to mention this is a night of personal stuff between Yang and Ruby. I probably shouldn't invite her.
Neo looked at me confused as I realized I spaced out for a second. "Sorry! Got lost in my thoughts there. Good to see you-"
"Jaune!" Oh crap that's Yang, probably came to get some drinks. Turning to face her I saw that Ruby was with her, double crap!
"Hey" I said back weakly. "What are you two doing here?"
"Looking for you" Ruby explained. Why would they be looking for me? "You were gone for quite a while, we were worried" By that I know it means Ruby was worried and Yang came along.
"Sorry, I didn't realize I was gone for so long. The bathrooms are just hidden away in the corner" I explained pointing to the other side of the club.
"Then what are you doing here?" Yang asked.
Ok time to just be honest, growing up with eight women you learn to just fess up and pray it works. "Well I saw Neo here" I said pointing to Neo prompting her to wave at the girls. "And wanted to say hi" That's really all, I can't even add more to that. I just pray they don't get the wrong idea.
"Hello, I'm Ruby" Well it seems Ruby doesn't think anything weird of it as she shook Neo's hand.
"And I'm Yang" She was less enthusiastic. Silence ensued as no one spoke and things were getting a bit awkward.
"Oh sorry but Neo is a mute" I explained to help kill said awkwardness. They both looked surprised but that went away quickly as Yang went straight back into interrogation.
"You two work together?"
Technically we might in the future but for now "No, Neo is…" Oh best to explain this? "Ruby, you know that guy who's gonna expand my store to have men's fashion?"
"Roman" She really struggled to remember the name.
"Yeah him. Neo is… well as Roman put it 'his protege'"
"I should have figured you were in the fashion industry, with how well put together you are!" Ruby exclaimed. Neo preened at the praise.
"Well" I said, clapping my hands. "We should probably get back to our table" As nice as it is to see Neo tonight, it's about Yang and Ruby adding more people will just complicate things.
Yang sniggered "Yeah that's not happening" I looked at her questioningly. "You leave your table for a minute, boom" She snapped her fingers "someone will sweep it up"
Neo nodded along and since these two know this kind of scene the most I'll take their word for it.
"So what do we do now?" I asked.
Yang's shit eating grin returned. "We could hit up the dance floor" Ruby squeaked at the very idea. I was ready to stop Yang in case she tried to drag her away. "Come on Rubes, what's the point of coming here if you don't dance?"
Ruby seemed a bit annoyed to answer. "Well for one I don't want greasy guys 'accidently' bumping into me" She explained with a huff.
"If any of them touched you I'd-"
"Take care of them. I know" Ruby said in her best Yang impersonation.
Crap if things keep going like this they could get worse. Think Jaune, think. Just say something to stop these two. "Yang you shou-" I was interrupted by Neo of all people nudging on my sleeve. Turning to face her she was pointing to the private room she took me to last time.
The two were still arguing so I had to get right beside them. "Hey girls, Neo has a suggestion!" Wish I didn't yell cause Ruby flinched back shocked.
I mumbled an apology to her as Yang asked "Does she?"
Looking back at Neo "You sure it's ok?" She gave me the thumbs up. "Neo can get us into a private room for a bit" Yang seemed shocked to hear the news while Ruby just looked relieved.
Neo began to lead the way gesturing us to follow. "We just go with her?" Yang asked as Ruby was already following.
"Come on it's better than out here" I said as I began to follow, with Yang shortly behind.
xXx
Didn't take long for us to get situated in our private room. Yang was quick to warm up to the idea, once she learned we could call for our order instead of going to the bar. While Ruby just seemed happy to have her ears not assaulted, which I can get behind.
Speaking of which, she was currently… chatting with Neo. After a bit of an awkward start I mentioned Ruby's unique fashion to Neo which got Neo interested. Ruby, while a bit uneasy about the attention, was more than happy to tell her all about it.
That just left me with Yang who just finished her third shot. "Come on just have one"
She'd been egging me on to do shots with her since she ordered them. "You know someone has to stay sober"
"Oh come on. One shot won't ruin you" Yang said as she grabbed another clearly waiting for me to take one.
Rolling my eyes "If I have one will you not ask me again?"
"Of course"
After a moment of consideration I took one. Yang whooped with us clinking our glasses together, pounding it down.
"Happy?"
Yang simply responded with a smile as she took another. Drinking it alone. She let out a sigh as she watched Ruby and Neo. The topic had changed to something else, with Ruby talking about her 'baby'. Glad she can talk about those days in good fun.
"So" Yang said out of the blue. I grunted in response. "I don't want to pry too much"
"Is it about my family?" I could tell she wanted to ask more when it was brought up before.
"If you're not ok with it I'll drop it"
I looked at Yang and saw she was dead serious. In fact I don't think I've ever seen her like this before. "I just know what it's like to not see your family for a long time" Yang said.
Yeah. Ruby told me how Yang left when she got accepted to Beacon. At least she was pursuing her dream. I was just too stubborn to ask for help. "How long's it been?"
Can I tell her? She is Ruby's sister and like she said she knows what it's like. In fact she might understand better than Ruby. "About three years".
"What happened?" Yang asked. I took a deep breath. "I understand if you're not ok telling me"
"No, no it's fine" I told her all about my parents and sister's death. I was honestly expecting it to be harder. Each time I tell it, it gets easier. Maybe that's a good thing.
Yang took a moment to process what I just said, she was shocked and gave me the complimentary 'sorry' but I knew it was genuine. She understood what it's like to lose family. "You haven't seen any of them since?"
I shook my head in response. "I had" Should I tell her? Maybe. Would it be right to tell her first? Shouldn't I tell Ruby before her? I do trust her more but Yang would be more understanding.
Yang seemed to be waiting for me, with bated breath. "It was a rough time for everyone. Not to mention they're not exactly the easiest to get a hold of"
"Why's that? They Huntsmen?"
I laughed. "Two are. Two play professional sports, heck one is an actress" I could feel a smile creeping up on my face.
Yang on the other hand looked to be in disbelief. "Wow!" Was all she could really say.
"Yup the Arc women are all exceptional individuals" I tried my hardest not to sound bitter while saying that. I think I got away with it.
Yang on the other hand seemed to have life shot into her. "Would I have gone to school with the Huntresses?"
"They went to Haven, and are two years older than me. So probably not"
Yang groaned. "Damn was hoping I could talk to them" My eyes shot open. "Maybe help you rekindle your bond" While I appreciate Yang's thought, the mere idea scared me.
"Don't sweat it" I settled on. "It's a two way street afterall. They never call me" Cause I skipped the funeral, but let's leave that out for now.
Before Yang could pry more I was struck by a high power Ruby leaping onto my lap. She knocked the wind out of me but didn't seem to notice. "Hey Jaune" She said, more giddy than usual. "Whatcha talking about?" Her breath smelled of strawberries.
While I was catching my breath Yang answered for us. "Nothing important, just more integrating your boyfriend"
Ruby whined about that as Yang laughed. While I saw a small amount of disappointment on Neo's face for a second.
While they bickered I asked Neo "How many has she had?" Pointing to Ruby.
Neo held up two fingers making three drinks in total. Damn Ruby really is a lightweight. Meanwhile Yang has had three drinks and five, wait now six shots and doesn't look to be that affected… yet. It's come.
Ruby nearly fell out of my lap, thankfully I was able to catch her and decided to keep her steady from now on.
"You OK Rubes?" I asked as she pulled herself closer to me. She nodded against my chest.
"Huh, you call her that too" Yang said, noticing what I did before. "Weird" She said with a shrug.
Neo took a seat next to Yang. Clearly they both felt like they were third wheeling us at the moment. As they started talking.
"Jaune" Ruby whispered against my chest.
"What?"
"I hope Yang hasn't been grilling you too hard" I almost laughed at Ruby using the word 'grilling'.
"Nah, it's been fine. I think she likes me" While Yang has done the typical sibling interrogation. The fact she actually tried to get me to open up and connect with me. Shows she at the very least trusts me.
"I hope she doesn't like you too much" Ruby mumbled.
Normally I'd let that slide, but I know Ruby like me never felt as good as her sister. I think she's lost potential friends because of Yang before. I mean I had a few 'friends' who only spent time with me to get to know my sisters. I know the drill. Hardly can blame them for it but the memory sticks.
"Hey. Don't worry about it. I got all I need right here" I said, pulling her closer.
Ruby began to giggle which was cut short as we heard Yang. "Awwww, isn't that sweat?"
Even Neo was overdramatically cooing at the sight. Both Ruby and I began to blush profusely but the moment passed quickly, as the two of them moved on without so much as a light teasing.
That's a first.
For a while the two of us just sat in silence only the muffled sounds of music and Yang could be heard. Ruby nuzzled in closer to me resting the side of her head on my shoulder.
It was a bit uncomfortable but after some shifting I got us in a good position. It was nice, almost nice enough to fall asleep to… almost.
The peace couldn't last as Ruby began to squirm on my lap which was causing a certain spot to get a bit… excited.
"You OK?"
"I gotta go to the bathroom" Ruby cringed out.
Looking over to the girls. "Hey, can one of you take Ruby to the bathroom?" I would if I could but, I can't go in the women's room.
Neo raised her hand to volunteer, as she took Ruby off me which at this point I was thankful for. "Just make sure she doesn't hurt herself" Neo gave me a thumbs up in response.
The two girls left as I let out a sigh as the excitement left my body. "Neo likes you by the way"
"WHAT?" Where the hell did that come from Yang!?
Yang, seeing the udder shock on my face, laughed of course. "It's pretty obvious. The girl isn't exactly subtle with how she shows her feeling" Yang explained as if it was obvious.
Yeah of course it's obvious, if I've learned anything living with eight women it's that they're always super obvious. "Ok. One how do you even know and two, why bring it up?"
"Just figured from how eager she was to help us, but mostly you. The occasional look she gave you and how she reacted to hearing you and Ruby are an item" Yang listed off and only one of those I noticed. "As to why am I bringing it up, just in case you two need to talk about it. I've been in that situation before" Yang finished with downing her last shot.
"You know Pyrrha told me you can be a bit dense but not like this" Wait a second Yang knows Pyrrha? Oh… right of course.
"You went to Beacon with Pyrrha?" I knew that already more so just trying to move past the whole Neo likes me thing.
"Yup! She's muh partner" The drinks are finally seeming to affect Yang a bit. "P-Money is the best one I could ask for"
I snorted at the name. "P-Money?"
Yang smiled nostalgically. "After we were official partners Pyrrha offered to help pay for a lot of my stuff. I was a bit strapped for Lien at the time. Just sorta called her that one day for how she seemed to have an endless supply"
"She earned a lot as a pro fighter" I think it was five thousand she earned for the tournament she beat me in.
"Yeah, tell me about it. I never wanted to take advantage of her though so I told her I'd pay her back" Yang laughed.
"Let me guess when you told her that she was like 'Oh no it's ok, I don't mind'" While I couldn't impersonate her voice I could do her mannerisms and tone well. Which Yang clearly appreciated with how much she was laughing.
"Yeah word for word. I still paid her back shortly after we graduated. She almost refused"
I laughed at that "Sounds like Pyrrha"
"I threatened to spend it all our whole team seeing the achieve-men live" She began to chuckle "That got her to take it real quick"
Yeah that would do it. Pyrrha hated the idea of wasting a single Lien. She saved everything she earned for when she got into Beacon, so she'd be ready when she got on her own. Wish I was that forward thinking.
Neo and Ruby returned shortly after. Thankfully Ruby didn't barf like I feared she would and she took her place back on her throne, a.k.a. my lap.
Taking Yang's words to heart I once again saw a small amount of disappointment on Neo's face. Maybe she's right. Should I talk to her about that tonight? That seems more like a private thing.
"Hey Jaune" Ruby called out to me, breaking me from my haze.
"What?"
She giggled. "I ordered another drink while I was gone" Oh no.
"Ruby, are you sure you can handle another?"
Ruby motorboated her lips "It's not just for me silly! It's for us to share"
Well that's better I guess. "Why do you and your sister want to get me drunk?" I asked jokingly.
"Yang does it so you sell her secrets, I do it so we can have fun" Ruby explained.
"Ah but I have to stay sober, remember?"
"You can do that and have half a drink!" Ruby gave me her best pleading eyes. I didn't budge. "Well if you don't want it, I'll take it all for myself" Like she could even finish another. "Or I'll share it with someone else"
"Oh I'll have some of that!" Yang spoke up.
"You have more comin' and have had ppplenty" Ruby swatted at Yang, who was over three meters away.
"Speak for yourself" Yang whispered but Ruby didn't hear.
Ruby turned her attention to Neo. "Neo, would you like to share a drink?" Neo shrugged but didn't disagree.
After Ruby turned away Neo shook her head at me, gods damn it. "Fine" I sighed. "I share it with you"
Ruby cheered and once again nearly fell off my lap but I caught her again. I'm getting good at it. Soon I'll stop it before it starts.
"But after that we're going home" I said mostly to Ruby. She seemed ok with it as she was still just happy she got me to drink. Who knew drunk Ruby would be as encouraging as sober Yang to drink.
"Yeah, that's probably for the best" Yang agreed, looking at her sister.
Neo gave me the 'ok'. As she clearly understood my reasoning.
Soon after the door smashed open violently, guess the barman is in a hurry.
"NEO!"
Hold on, that's not a barman that's "Roman?"
Roman Torchwick stood in the doorway for the first time ever not looking like he spent hours putting himself together. In fact he looked like he was ready to kill someone but all that fury deflated when he saw me. "Oh you're just with Jaune" I don't know if I should be insulted or relieved to hear him say that.
Neo meanwhile for the first time ever was blushing harder than Ruby after a teasing session. She seemed shocked and annoyed by Roman bursting in here.
Ruby and meanwhile just seemed confused by the whole thing but Yang looked ready to brawl if needed. I should try and calm things down.
"Yeah everythings good here"
Roman looked to be a bit embarrassed trying his best to regain his cool. "I see that now. Sorry just thought Neo was with someone else" Who does Neo know that would get Roman that angry to have her around?
Neo crossed her arms annoyed at Roman and… oh no, not the ice glare. Roman is gonna get… not an earful but he's gonna get something tonight.
Roman laughed awkwardly "I'm sorry I'll leave you now" Roman said right as the guy bringing our new drinks arrived.
Ruby beamed with excitement. "Woo! Our drinks are here!"
Everyone just kinda laughed at that. Hopefully that'll save Roman some pain tonight, some.
xXx
The rest of our time at the Club was more of the same. Now, Ruby Yang and I were on our way back home. Well to Ruby and my apartment. I don't know where Yang lives but I doubt Ruby will complain if she stays the night with her.
Neo decided to stay a bit longer and Roman was with her so I felt ok leaving her.
In the end. A pretty fun night. Yang was some kind of machine with how much she could pound back. Having a total of four drinks and like seven shots. Aside from being giddier than before it seemed to have no effect on her.
Ruby was… well no better than before. At the end of our shared drink I'm pretty she only had like 10 percent of it. I'm currently carrying her on my back since she was stumbling too much for me to feel safe.
I myself had a light buzz going but overall was fine. Even with the sisters' attempts to get me drunk, I made it out fine.
"So is Roman like Neo's Dad?" Yang asked out of the blue.
While I could understand the thought I mean, I thought it too. "No he's not, she's a lot older than she looks"
"Yeah, she looked younger than you Ruby" Yang said.
Ruby grumbled a response from my back. I don't think we're gonna get anything better from her.
Soon we reached our apartment and honestly. Carrying Ruby up stairs, was way easier than all her stuff when she moved in.
"Yang, can you get Ruby's key?" I asked as I still was carrying her.
Yang quickly fished the key out of Ruby's pocket and I took her straight to her bed. I let her down gently as she sprawled out onto her bed. She was already trying to get under the sheets but I stopped her to her annoyance.
"I gotta get your boots off first"
Ruby looked at her feet like she completely forgot she was even wearing them. "Oh right" She said, nearly breaking into a fit of laughter.
After I took her boots off I was gonna leave to get her a bucket just in case but she grabbed my hand.
"Stay" Ruby said quietly.
I felt myself blush "I can't. I have to make sure your sister is ok"
She pulled me closer. "She can handle herself" Now she wrapped herself around me. "Just stay here, for the night"
As nice as that sounds, I'd rather Ruby not barf on me in her sleep. "I'll come back once I get Yang settled in" I can tell she's gonna be out in a couple minutes at the most.
Ruby seemed to consider it for a moment as her grip loosened. "You promise?"
I really don't feel good lying to Ruby "Of course". With that she let me go as she crawled under her sheets.
"Just be back soon"
"I will" I said as I left the bedroom.
Ok where the heck is Yang? She's not in the kitchen/living room. Not in the bathroom. Wait, the door is still open and the keys are on the nightstand. I grabbed the keys, checked outside the apartment and saw Yang seemingly about to leave.
"Yang, where are you going?"
She stopped dead in tracks. "Oh I saw you two go to the bedroom and… you know it doesn't matter" For the first time ever Yang looked embarrassed.
I really hope she didn't think Ruby and I were gonna have our first time when she was drunk. That'd be so wrong.
"Well Ruby is about the fall asleep and I think you need a place to crash"
"You sure, I mean my place isn't too far from here" I'm not sure why Yang is fighting this but there is no way in hell I'm letting her go out on her own. While she's… drunk? It's hard to tell with her. Huntress or not.
"You should probably stay here" I said as confidently as I could.
"Alright, if it'll give you peace of mind" Well she saw right through me.
We returned to Ruby's room and as I expected. Ruby was already asleep and I placed a bucket in her room. Hopefully she won't need it but better to be prepared.
I exited her room, locked the door and sent the key underneath it. Even left a note at her door to check the floor for it.
Ok now to just… why the hell is Yang out here? "Why aren't you in there?"
Yang looked at me shocked. "I thought you were offering me to stay with you, Ruby can't exactly offer that"
And yet she thought we were… nevermind. All I could do was let out a sigh and accept it.
Entering my room Yang was quick to take up refugee on my couch. I'm gonna hate myself for offering this but "You can have my bed" I said and Yang once again looked surprised.
"Jaune I don't think it would be right for us to share" She was trying her best to come across as a tease.
"No I mean I'll take the couch and you can have the bed" Maybe Yang was drunker than I thought.
Yang seemed a bit stunned by the offer. "I guess chivalry isn't dead" She mumbled to herself but I heard it.
"Seven sisters, remember?" My mother and sister hammered this kind of stuff into me. Of course whenever I do stuff like this, it's for someone I'm not dating.
The look on Yang's face said she understood completely. "Thank you Jaune" For once she gave me not a teasing or a cheeky grin. She gave me a genuine smile.
"No problem" I pointed her in the direction of my room as I got my spare blankets for the colder months out.
I heard the bedroom door shut and it's weird having someone other than me in my bed. Thankfully it's clean, so much cleaner than this couch. Which is the main reason I gave up my bed.
I'm really glad we did this on Saturday, since it's around three thirty in the morning. Cause if I or god forbid Ruby had to go to work tomorrow it would be awful. Speaking of can't wait to deal with hunger over Yang and Ruby.
Tomorrow is gonna be so much fun.
Gosh that was a fun chapter to write. Haven't really had Jaune and Yang interact so I wanted to play with that. Drunk Ruby has been something I've been waiting to do. Plus got Neo in there with even a cameo from Roman. I think most of you expected Neo to be at the club.
Also it was just nice to write a chapter without much drama, it was just our characters hanging out. Reminds me of when I wrote the Laser Tag chapter lol.
Anyway thanks for reading, hope you have enjoyed, review if you wish and have a great day!